Art Tasting with Julián Zugazagoitia

Art Tasting with Julián Zugazagoitia

A passion and enthusiasm for art is one of Julián Zugazagoitia’s most distinguishing traits. He never tires of sharing stories, swapping thoughts or spurring us to learn more about the many treasures at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Or the many ways that art can change our lives!

In “Art Tasting with Julian Zugazagoitia,” the museum’s Executive Director uses the tools of Public TV to reach even further beyond the walls of that great institution.

Each of the six episodes will feature Julian and his special guest—a curator, collector, or museum official discussing matters near and dear to them before a live audience in the Atkins auditorium. Backed by plenty of detailed visual support, these free-wheeling conversations bring us new insights into familiar works, and easier access to finding the “flavors” of art that most please our palates.

In the opening episode (10/16), Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art Jan Schall comes to the table to talk sculpture–the only art form, as she tells him “so tactile we have to remind people not to touch it.” Later, Bill Hall will also explain more about the strategy and mechanics that helped create the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park.

The second “Art Tasting” (10/23) focuses on the keen eye and acquisitional prowess of Alan Hirschfeld, the former Warner Brothers studio head (and close friend of Frank Sinatra) who’s built a stunning Native American art collection. Morton and Estelle Sosland’s efforts in building their own American Indian art collection (of which many pieces have been donated to the museum) will be profiled in the program too.

As the series continues, Julian will delve into African art and toast a glass of schnapps with Nii Quarcoopome (10/30), a curator whose time and talents are shared with the Detroit Institute of Art. Also, Shirley Helzberg explains her fascination with the storytelling and human connections she finds in African art.

In later installments, Julian will reconnect with Texas-based collectors David and Suzanne Booth, explore spirituality in art with Curator Leesa Fanning, and compare notes on the museum’s history with his esteemed predecessor, Marc Wilson.

Tune in Wednesdays at 9 and tickle your taste buds with art!

Principal funding for the series has been provided by DeBruce Companies, with additional support from the Francis Family Foundation.